How to Care for Cashmere Clothing
Cashmere is a luxurious and cozy fabric that is made from the fine hair of cashmere goats. Cashmere is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, but it also requires special care to maintain its quality and appearance.
Cashmere clothing can be expensive, so you want to make sure you treat it well and extend its lifespan. By following some simple tips on how to wash, dry, store, and repair your cashmere clothing, you can enjoy it for years to come.
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How to Wash Cashmere Clothing
Cashmere clothing can be washed by hand or by machine, depending on the care label instructions. However, hand washing is usually gentler and safer for cashmere than machine washing.
Here are the steps to wash your cashmere clothing by hand:
- Pretreat any stains with a mild detergent or stain remover that is safe for cashmere. Apply a small amount to the stain and gently rub it with your fingers. Do not scrub or rub too hard, as this can damage the fibers.
- Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of cashmere shampoo or mild detergent. Swirl the water to dissolve the soap.
- Submerge your cashmere clothing in the water and gently squeeze it to distribute the soap. Do not twist, wring, or rub the fabric, as this can cause shrinkage or pilling.
- Let the cashmere soak for up to 30 minutes. Do not leave it for longer, as this can weaken the fibers.
- Drain the water and rinse the cashmere thoroughly under cool running water until no soap remains. Gently squeeze out the excess water without twisting or wringing.
- Lay the cashmere flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb more water. Unroll the towel and reshape the cashmere to its original dimensions.
- Lay the cashmere flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack and let it air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not hang or tumble dry cashmere, as this can stretch or shrink it.
If you prefer to machine wash your cashmere clothing, follow these steps:
- Check the care label to make sure your cashmere clothing is machine washable. Some cashmere garments may be dry clean only or hand wash only.
- Pretreat any stains with a mild detergent or stain remover that is safe for cashmere. Apply a small amount to the stain and gently rub it with your fingers. Do not scrub or rub too hard, as this can damage the fibers.
- Place your cashmere clothing in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging or tangling with other clothes.
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine and use cool water and a small amount of cashmere shampoo or mild detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the fibers.
- Remove your cashmere clothing from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is finished. Do not leave it in the machine for too long, as this can cause wrinkles or odors.
- Lay the cashmere flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb more water. Unroll the towel and reshape the cashmere to its original dimensions.
- Lay the cashmere flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack and let it air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not hang or tumble dry cashmere, as this can stretch or shrink it.
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How to Dry Cashmere Clothing
As mentioned above, cashmere clothing should be air dried flat on a towel or a drying rack away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not hang or tumble dry cashmere, as this can stretch or shrink it.
If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer on a low setting and gently blow over the cashmere from a distance of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Do not hold the hair dryer too close or too long on one spot, as this can scorch or shrink the fabric.
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How to Store Cashmere Clothing
- Clean your cashmere clothing before storing it. Moths are attracted to dirt, sweat, oil, and food stains on fabrics, so make sure your cashmere is clean and dry before putting it away.
- Fold your cashmere clothing neatly and place it in an airtight container, such as a plastic bin with a tight lid or a ziplock bag. Do not hang your cashmere clothing, as this can cause it to lose its shape or stretch.
- Add some moth repellents, such as cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or moth balls, to the container to keep moths away. Do not place these directly on the cashmere, as they can leave stains or odors. Instead, wrap them in a cloth or a paper towel and place them around the cashmere.
- Store your cashmere clothing in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet, a drawer, or a shelf. Avoid places that are hot, humid, or exposed to sunlight, as these can cause fading, mildew, or mold.
- Check your cashmere clothing periodically for signs of damage or infestation. If you notice any holes, stains, or smells, take your cashmere to a professional cleaner or repairer as soon as possible.
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How to Repair Cashmere Clothing
Cashmere clothing can be repaired if it has small holes, tears, or snags. However, if the damage is too large or severe, you may need to replace the garment or take it to a professional tailor.
Here are some ways to repair your cashmere clothing at home:
- For small holes or tears, you can use a needle and thread to sew them closed. Use a matching color of thread and a fine needle. Turn the cashmere inside out and sew along the edges of the hole or tear with small stitches. Do not pull the thread too tight or too loose, as this can cause puckering or gaps. Turn the cashmere right side out and smooth out the fabric.
- For snags, you can use a crochet hook or a needle to pull the loose thread back to the inside of the fabric. Insert the hook or needle through the snag and gently tug on the loose thread until it is hidden inside the fabric. Do not cut the loose thread, as this can cause more unraveling.
- For pilling, you can use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver to remove the fuzz balls from the surface of the fabric. Gently brush or shave over the pilled areas in one direction until they are gone. Do not apply too much pressure or go over the same spot too many times, as this can damage the fibers.
Conclusion
Cashmere is a luxurious and cozy fabric that requires special care to maintain its quality and appearance. By following some simple tips on how to wash, dry, store, and repair your cashmere clothing, you can enjoy it for years to come.
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